Trouble Starting 87 E30 - United Bimmer Community

**barrie325e** · 08-01-2009, 06:21 PM

Im having trouble starting the 87 e30. I replaced a dead alternator, checked fuses. I can hear the starter but nothing is happening. Any one have any suggestions??

Big Evil · 08-02-2009, 02:19 AM

More info please, you can HEAR the starter what noise is it making? High speed whir, single loud clunk, normal cranking the engine over and just not starting? What happened in between it running normal and where you find yourself now?

**barrie325e** · 08-02-2009, 11:19 AM

So i turn the key and its like a fast pase clinging sound from the engine. It does seem like the starter is trying to do something but other than that nothing else. I have all electronics going in the car. Wiper blades, lights, radio, car alarm etc. I replaced the fuses- 1-30 as well

Big Evil · 08-02-2009, 11:25 AM

Fast paced clinging sound? Sounds like either your starter solenoid has given up the ghost or your timing belt has snapped, did anything noticeable happen in between running normal and not?

**barrie325e** · 08-02-2009, 01:31 PM

i bought it as a project car-- not running... just started auto school so in the process of figuring things out. But i checked the belt out, no cracks, looks like it has already been replaced. It does sound like a clinging sound.

Big Evil · 08-02-2009, 02:09 PM

Just to be clear we're talking about the approx 3 inch wide toothed belt under the cover at the front of the engine that ties the crank and cam sprockets together? If it looks recently replaced the question then becomes was it normal maintenance or did the previous owner snap it, try to fix it and screw up the engine timing? Where does the clinging sound emanate from? Near the starter or out in the block somewhere? Does the engine crank over with the starter (does the crank pulley spin)?

**barrie325e** · 08-02-2009, 02:18 PM

It deff sounds like its coming from the start and not out in the block, nor the belt

Big Evil · 08-02-2009, 02:21 PM

Does the engine spin w/the starter? If no, it sounds like you have a bad starter

**barrie325e** · 08-02-2009, 02:23 PM

no, it doesnt, thanks!!

another question, i took the hood off... just the wrong spot of where the hood attaches to the peice that goes up or something... are there diagrams of close match up to how to put it back on?

Big Evil · 08-02-2009, 02:33 PM

Depends on how you took it off, the six 10mm bolts on the hinge plate I'd guess. I've always just lined up the bolt washers with the indentations they leave in the paint and have never had a problem.

**barrie325e** · 08-02-2009, 02:37 PM

theres the 6 bolts... but theres the 4 that attach the hood to the car, thats what i took off

Big Evil · 08-02-2009, 07:15 PM

Then you took it off in a way I don't. Put the hood on the car with it in the popped but not open position to line up the rails for the rear closure. Then install the front bolts and line up paint indents/lines

**premo** · 08-23-2009, 03:36 AM

hey bro whats up !
it also sounds like you fuel line wires that is connected to the injectors. you might want to check that out as well that is alot of time e30 weak link if it got water in it or corrosion
as if it had water in it then just replace that and you should be ok.

**timflowers** · 04-08-2010, 11:50 PM

Sounds can be misleading. So can engine symptoms. For example, if you replace your plug wires and then your car won't start, it's natural to assume you have defective wires or you installed them wrong, when in fact your fuel pump might have picked that day to die.

With that in mind, is your fuel pump working? It's a common problem in all cars, not just e30's. Later models have one pump inside the fuel tank, while earlier models have 2 pumps: a "lift" pump inside the tank and an high pressure inline pump. If you're not getting fuel, the car won't start. The noise you're hearing from the engine might indicate a problem but it isn't necessarily the reason it isn't starting.

**premo** · 04-13-2010, 07:30 AM

wow! sound advice sound, sound advice.
before you go ripping through your car and your hair looking for the pump. the best thing for you to do is the basics. check your fuel check your fire if you already done that and you still have a problem then maybe just maybe it could be your injectors. for some cars you could tell if the the fuel pump is out but you got to know what you are looking for and before you go to that extreme its best to work from top to bottom. but hey who am i....it not like i LIVE in GERMANY for 6 years. or the fact that ALLL my previous cars were e30 and e36s im telling you they are so much fun when finally put one together.

GOOD LUCK!!!!!!